What to see in Hawaii
Home to the world’s most active volcanoes, the only royal palace in the U.S. and the welcoming aloha spirit—Hawaii is like no place on earth. Discover the glimmering ocean, emerald valleys and golden sands; get lost in the spiritual beauty of the hula and find out how the warmth of Hawaii’s people wonderfully complement the islands’ perfect temperatures.
Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve
Just to the east of Honolulu lays the inviting ring like cove of Hanauma Bay. This circular bay was at one time a volcanic ring, eventually breached by the ocean to form a perfect cove, one that is now filled with abundant coral reef and hundreds of species of marine life. The bay’s pristine beach offers glorious views of the ocean and of two volcanic cones, Koko Crater and Koko Head. The beach is closed to tourists on Tuesdays and there is a fee for non-Hawaiian residents. This fee was implemented to help in preservation efforts of the reef, marine life and surrounding areas.
Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial
The site of one of the most significant events in American history, Pearl Harbor is home to the USS Arizona Memorial. The battleship Arizona was one of the first vessels to sink when the Japanese attacked the U.S. fleet from the air on December 7, 1941. Over 1,100 of Arizona’s crew went down with the ship and are forever interred within the ship’s mighty hull beneath the waves. A poignant monument and shrine stands over the ship from where visitors can overlook the massive hull below and witness the rising of what is called the “tears of the Arizona,” a single, continuous drop of oil that floats to the surface every few seconds.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The largest island, correctly named Hawaii, is home to some of the best ecological, eco-tourism and environmental features in the USA’S 50th state. There you will find the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.You can join a nightly tour and it’s like another planet up there in the thin air and snow-capped peaks with views of the heavens that will take your breath away – literally.
Waipi’o Valley
This stunning valley on the big island of Hawaii offers some of the most incredible views found anywhere in the state. A steep road leads down into the tropical green paradise and once within this oasis, visitors will find a gorgeous black sand beach with tall waterfalls plunging down into the sea. Valley riverbeds are lined with colourful flowers and plants where panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and rainforest offer an unforgettable glimpse at Hawaii’s natural glory.
Maui
Maui is another island very popular with visitors wanting experiences away from Oahu. There is excellent infrastructure, top hotels and resorts, and its own volcano, Haleakalā. Maui is also renown for windsurfing, scuba diving, whale watching and hiking, among other things. Visit Maui to discover its wonders for yourself.
Kauai
Kauai, locally tagged as ‘the garden isle’ and the landing site of Captain Cook, is just perfect for nature lovers and outdoor types with seriously spectacular scenery just waiting to be hiked or mountain biked. A helicopter ride will give you a sensational view of this magnificent island that featured in many movies including Elvis’s Blue Hawaii, Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark and South Pacific.
Home to the world’s most active volcanoes, the only royal palace in the U.S. and the welcoming aloha spirit—Hawaii is like no place on earth. Discover the glimmering ocean, emerald valleys and golden sands; get lost in the spiritual beauty of the hula and find out how the warmth of Hawaii’s people wonderfully complement the islands’ perfect temperatures.
Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve
Just to the east of Honolulu lays the inviting ring like cove of Hanauma Bay. This circular bay was at one time a volcanic ring, eventually breached by the ocean to form a perfect cove, one that is now filled with abundant coral reef and hundreds of species of marine life. The bay’s pristine beach offers glorious views of the ocean and of two volcanic cones, Koko Crater and Koko Head. The beach is closed to tourists on Tuesdays and there is a fee for non-Hawaiian residents. This fee was implemented to help in preservation efforts of the reef, marine life and surrounding areas.
Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial
The site of one of the most significant events in American history, Pearl Harbor is home to the USS Arizona Memorial. The battleship Arizona was one of the first vessels to sink when the Japanese attacked the U.S. fleet from the air on December 7, 1941. Over 1,100 of Arizona’s crew went down with the ship and are forever interred within the ship’s mighty hull beneath the waves. A poignant monument and shrine stands over the ship from where visitors can overlook the massive hull below and witness the rising of what is called the “tears of the Arizona,” a single, continuous drop of oil that floats to the surface every few seconds.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The largest island, correctly named Hawaii, is home to some of the best ecological, eco-tourism and environmental features in the USA’S 50th state. There you will find the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.You can join a nightly tour and it’s like another planet up there in the thin air and snow-capped peaks with views of the heavens that will take your breath away – literally.
Waipi’o Valley
This stunning valley on the big island of Hawaii offers some of the most incredible views found anywhere in the state. A steep road leads down into the tropical green paradise and once within this oasis, visitors will find a gorgeous black sand beach with tall waterfalls plunging down into the sea. Valley riverbeds are lined with colourful flowers and plants where panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and rainforest offer an unforgettable glimpse at Hawaii’s natural glory.
Maui
Maui is another island very popular with visitors wanting experiences away from Oahu. There is excellent infrastructure, top hotels and resorts, and its own volcano, Haleakalā. Maui is also renown for windsurfing, scuba diving, whale watching and hiking, among other things. Visit Maui to discover its wonders for yourself.
Kauai
Kauai, locally tagged as ‘the garden isle’ and the landing site of Captain Cook, is just perfect for nature lovers and outdoor types with seriously spectacular scenery just waiting to be hiked or mountain biked. A helicopter ride will give you a sensational view of this magnificent island that featured in many movies including Elvis’s Blue Hawaii, Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark and South Pacific.
